Group B Strep Support

Group B Strep Support

Abbreviation	GBSS
Formation	1996
Legal status	Registered charity no. 1112065
Purpose	To prevent life-threatening group B Strep infection in newborn babies
Headquarters	Haywards Heath
Region served	United Kingdom
Website	http://www.gbss.org.uk

Group B Strep Support is a national charity based in the United Kingdom.

History

Group B Strep Support was formed in 1996, after the founders' son had a group B Strep infection. ^[1] Since then it has established a medical panel ^[2] and set up a board of trustees. ^[1] The charity has been heavily involved in public consultations on group B Strep prevention, and in 2012 commented on the National Screening Committee's review of GBS testing. ^[3] In 2012, the chief executive Jane Plumb received an MBE for services for child health. ^[4]

Aims

GBSS states that it has three main aims: ^[5]

• Offer information and support to families affected by group B Streptococcus
• Inform health professionals and individuals how most group B Strep infections in newborn babies can be prevented
• Generate continued support for research into preventing group B Strep infections in newborn babies

Key achievements

• Worked with UK health professionals and professional medical bodies to raise the profile of group B Strep in the UK. ^{[6] [7] [8] [9] [10]}
• Played a part in causing the 2003 RCOG risk-based guidelines on the prevention of early-onset group B Strep infection, and continues to campaign for improved guidelines and awareness in medical professionals. ^[11]
• Raised significant public awareness of group B Strep and the impact a group B Strep infection can have on newborn babies if not prevented. ^{[12] [13] [14] [15] [16]}

Notable supporters

• Alasdair McDonnell ^[17]
• David Cameron ^[17]
• Hilary Jones (doctor) ^[17]
• James Roby ^{[17] [18] [19]}
• Jeffrey Donaldson ^[17]
• Kate Garraway ^[17]
• Nadine Dorries ^[20]
• Nicholas Soames ^[17]
• Philip Hollobone ^[17]
• Theresa May ^[17]

Patron

• Chris Steele ^[21]
• James Roby ^[21]
• Nicholas Soames ^[21]

References

1. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: People involved: Executive Committee". GBSS. 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
2. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: People involved: GBSS Medical Advisory Panel". GBSS. 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
3. "Group B Strep Support - News and Events: Screening Committee". GBSS. Archived from the original on 2013-12-14. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
4. "New Year Honour for charity founder". Mid Sussex Times. 2012-01-03. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
5. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: What GBSS wants". GBSS. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
6. "Charity aims to curb baby illness". BBC News. 2005-09-27. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
7. "Pregnancy infection screening call". BBC News. 2003-08-02. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
8. "Calls to test mums after baby catches serious illness". Yourlocalguardian.co.uk. 2008-04-23. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
9. "Opportunities to prevent meningitis in young babies 'being missed'". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
10. "Screen pregnant women for group Strep B". OnMedica. 2008-02-27. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
11. "Group B Streptococcus". Screening.nhs.uk. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
12. "Arnold mum Lisa eaton is campaigning to raise awareness of Group B Streptococcus infection". Nottingham Post. 2010-03-15. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
13. "Politicians support Group B Strep awareness campaign". Derry Journal. 2011-09-01. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
14. "Two caring charities win prestigious award major award". Mid Sussex Times. 2013-10-31. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
15. "MP calls for NHS testing to stop babies dying". West Sussex Gazette. 2013-06-25. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
16. "Charity picks Ralf for UK campaign". Cambrian-news.co.uk. 2013-09-19. Archived from the original on 2013-12-13. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
17. "Group B Strep Support - Who We Are: High-Profile Support". GBSS. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
18. "James Roby Testimonial 2013 - 2014". Jamesrobytestimonial.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2013-12-12. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
19. "Why Saints' James Roby is raising funds for a cause close to his own heart (From St Helens Star)". Sthelensstar.co.uk. 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
20. "Routine tests in pregnancy needed, says MP Nadine Dorries". London Evening Standard. 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
21. "Patrons - Group B Strep Support". Group B Strep Support. Retrieved 2018-03-01.

External links

• Official website